Cowgill, March 13. 1850.
_Coxcombs vanquish Berkeley, &c._--In Lewis's _Biography of
Philosophy_ (vol. iv. p. 7.) occurs the following quotation:--
"And coxcombs vanquish Berkeley with a grin."
Who is the author of this line? for I cannot find it in Pope, to whom
a note refers it.
R.F. Johnson.
_Derivation of Sterling._--What is the derivation of _Sterling_? Some
authors say from "Easterling," a race of German or Dutch traders;
but is it not more likely from "steer," a bull, or ox, viz. a coin
originally stamped with a figure of that animal? Of this, and parallel
cases, we have many instances among the ancients. I find also, that,
in a decree issued in the time of Richard I., the word is used, and
explained by "peny" as a synonym. Now peny or penny is clearly from
_pecunia_, and that from _pecus_, so that we have the two words
brought side by side, one through the Latin, and the other through the
Saxon language.
R.F. Johnson.
_Hanging out the Broom._--In some parts of England a singular custom
prevails. When a married woman leaves home for a few days, the husband
hangs a broom or besom from the window. When, how, and where did this
originate, and what does it signify?
R.F. Johnson.
_Trunck Breeches.--Barba Longa.--Mercenary Preacher._--In reading
Smith's _Obituary_, edited by Sir H. Ellis for the Camden Society, I
find the following entries:--
"1640. May 29th, old M'r Grice, in Aldersgate S't, who wore
_trunck_ breeches, died."
"1646. Oc'r 1. William Young, Chandler, within Aldersgate, a
discreet Juryman, and _Barba Longa_, died."
"Fe'r 21., old M'r Lewis, the _Mercenary Preacher_, buried."
Can any of your correspondents explain the meaning of "_Trunck_
Breeches," "_Barba Longa_," and "_Mercenary Preacher_?"